variants
also dumfounding
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounding
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumbfounding
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stroud’s development has stalled in Houston, where the Texans’ offensive line has long been a problem but can’t explain his erratic decision-making and dumbfounding turnovers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounding
Adjective
-
The discovery is so surprising because even though AGNs are rich with gas and dust — the building blocks of planets — the turbulent conditions within the disks wouldn't generally be considered ideal for forming planets.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
14 June 2026
-
Netflix has yet to renew the show for a second season, which is at least a little bit surprising.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His recovery and startling physical transformation hardly a year after his injury became a frequent topic on social media.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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This is arguably a more startling possibility than the high concept at the film’s center, though it’s treated as secondary, not least because Abby’s own head hasn’t been in the game since losing her father Warren (David Starthairn) the year before.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Verb
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That 26-year-old Haitian, Joe Gaetjens, scored the winning goal, heading in a pass from Walter Bahr and shocking the sports world.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Dozens of older homes, most built during the area’s postwar building boom, were in a state of shocking disrepair.—
The Conversation,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
His Qatari side equalized in the final minutes of their opening game, stunning the Swiss in the Bay Area in one of the shock results of the first weekend of the tournament.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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But spending 20 minutes staging content at the only overlook or the most stunning waterfall while a line of hikers waits behind you is not the move.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Nordstrom has really sweet jewelry pieces at not-astonishing price points.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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